In anticipation of the Vice Presidential Debate scheduled for October 11 in Danville, Kentucky at Centre College, youth and youth supporters from across the state are planning a Step Up for Kids Rally for October 10 on the Courthouse Lawn. Their hope is to draw the public’s attention to the importance of encouraging policy makers, including Vice Presidential hopefuls, to make children a national priority.  The young people are also urging the Vice Presidential Debate moderator, Martha Raddatz, to include a question about how the candidates plan to address the well-being of children.

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is slated to speak, along with Boyle County Judge Executive Harold McKinney, State Senator Tom Buford, and students from Boyle County and Danville High Schools.  The event will be rounded out by a several youth performers, including a high school jazz band, middle school choir, vocal soloist and a dance team. The rally is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm on the Courthouse Lawn at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street. On-site registration begins at 11:30 am and activities for the young and young at heart will be set up in the park before the event, including face painting, poster making and various games. Online pre-registration – which can be done here – has begun and is encouraged in order to receive a free t-shirt.

The rally is one event in a series of efforts to raise youth as a priority during the final months of the campaign. Signage of how past presidents have made important decisions that impacted the well-being of youth are visible across Danville. On Monday, October 8, Kentucky Youth Advocates will host a policy forum at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.  On the evening of October 8, there will be a Evening with the Arts, featuring performances by Kentucky youth, and the Colors of Life national photography exhibit, which is built on the premise that art can open people’s hearts and minds to the crisis facing America’s children.  Also, KET will have a youth panel on the “Education Matters” program the hour before the Vice Presidential Debate. More information on all these events can be seen here.

Register here today!